Arizona shooter pleads not guilty, smiles throughout arraignment

PHOENIX — The Washington Post reports that Jared Loughner, the man accused of shooting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killing and wounding others, appeared in federal court Jan. 24 on charges of attempted murder. The court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Loughner, 22, smiled as he was arraigned in his second court appearance. Last week he was charged with five federal counts related to the Jan. 8 incident that left six dead and 13 injured.
Giffords, D-Ariz., is recovering in a rehabilitation center from a gunshot wound to the head. Two aides were wounded in the attack and a longtime U.S. district judge and another Giffords aide were among those killed.
Reportedly Loughner mostly looked straight ahead and smiled for the duration of the 20 minute arraignment and did not speak.
He also reportedly appeared to chuckle a few times in response to his defense team’s questions.
It is likely that Loughner will also face a number of state charges in the shootings of the nonfederal employees who were killed and wounded.
The trial could eventually be moved out of state due to its high-profile nature.